Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Starting Sunday, Knoxville Area Transit buses will be taking riders through the downtown corridor route free of charge.
KAT approved a proposal yesterday (Thursday) that allows them to launch a pilot program making the route free. Route One, the downtown connector, takes passengers on a 15-minute circuit along Gay Street and other well-traveled downtown roads, with periodic stops.
“The approval of the zero-fare pilot program for Route 1 has a meaningful impact on downtown Knoxville,” Isaac Thorne, KAT Executive Director said. “Passengers will be able to utilize the Downtown Connector service at no cost, increasing access to jobs, services and businesses.”
The program was done in partnership with Visit Knoxville.
The route connects the Old City, Market Square, Main Street and Depot Avenue, along with other staples of downtown.
“Thanks to Visit Knoxville for helping to make this possible,” Thorne said. “We hope families coming downtown to skate the Holidays on Ice outdoor rink or to see the City’s holiday lights give transit a try and discover for themselves how practical and easy it is to ride KAT.”
